Hibernation, Migration & True Grit

 

Winter is a hostile season for both animals and humans but interestingly both approach the cold in different ways. Whilst humans will survive by keeping their homes insulated and wearing several layers of clothing animals take a slightly different route ? In fact scientists studies have shown that most animals fall into one of three categories, they either hibernate, migrate, or simply stick it out with plain old grit.

Lets look at some examples. Bats, Woodchucks, and Black Bears know that there is very little food available during the winter so they bulk up during the spring and summer to hibernate and slow down their metabolism during the winter months.

Other animals such as Hawks and Monarch Butterflies simply take off and migrate to the south where the temperatures are much warmer.

Lastly certain animals such as Sparrows, Cottontail Rabbits, Red Foxes and the White-Tailed Deer simply stick things out and persevere during the winter.